With noise induced hearing loss and ‘industrial deafness’ a concern for all employees, Bellingen, Gloucester and Port Macquarie-Hastings Councils in New South Wales have joined forces to combat the issue.The councils are part of the Mid North Coast Group of Councils (MIDGOC) Occupational Health and Safety Group, which also includes the Local Government areas of Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Kempsey, Taree and Great Lakes. The focus of the group is sharing best practice ideas relating to health and safety initiatives.
The ultimate goal is to promote employee health and wellbeing and reduce work place injuries and their associated impact. The group meets regularly and forms sub groups to undertake projects that benefit each of the member councils.
The Bellingen, Gloucester and Port Macquarie-Hastings project is aimed at managing noise and minimising the risk of noise induced hearing loss.
Bellingen Shire Council’s Risk Management and OHS Officer Liz Robson said that workers compensation data shows that relying on hearing protection is not enough.
“The group used a multi faceted approach, which included consideration of noise when buying plant and reviewing design and modification of work areas where noisy plant is operated,” she said. “A series of noise identification stickers were also developed so that plant operators could choose the appropriate method of noise control when working on or around plant. In addition, workplace posters were developed to increase awareness and provide reminders, while a noise meter was purchased for use between the member councils, along with a number of training aids.”
Liz Robson said that as part of the project, a training package was developed for staff exposed to noise. It includes information about the anatomy and physiology of hearing, how hearing loss occurs both naturally and through noise, and how hearing can be protected.
“The training program includes activities involving the assessing of plant noise, and the correct use of personal hearing protection,” Liz Robson said. “Training participants found the ear models and other training aids useful in helping them to understand how the ear works, and gained a better appreciation of noise induced hearing loss.”
The program took out the New South Wales Mutual Limited OH&S Excellence Award in 2010.
For further information contact Liz Robson on (02) 6655 7337.
